Citizens of Colorado witnessed, and some personally experienced, a crime wave that included Venezuelan gangs flooding the streets with violence. The lawlessness became international news – for weeks – and our communities were gripped with fear of becoming the next target or victim.
Given the violence and public outcry, it’s absolutely absurd that the Colorado legislature, which is now in session, is seriously considering legislation that will undermine, not ungird, public safety. Through SENATE BILL 3, our right to self-defense will be sacrificed at the altar of a radical, left-wing agenda.
As a mother, wife, grandmother, I am concerned about the health and well-being of my loved ones. As a proud Coloradoan, I care about my neighbors and their families too. That’s why I purchased firearms for self-protection decades ago, and eventually became an NRA certified instructor, Range Safety Officer, and educator.
Through programs like “Refuse to be a Victim,” I empower local women through education and training. We discuss not only self-defense and situational awareness, but there’s also much discussion on the Constitution and the rights guaranteed within that sacred document.
Since 2020, women have become the fastest growing demographic of gun owners. According to research nearly 25% of females now own at least one firearm, and ninety-nine percent of Black and Asian women who own guns do so for personal protection, which illustrates a cross-cultural concern that cuts across racial lines. Science tells us that on average women are smaller than men. Firearms are the great equalizer that can stop domestic abuse, rape, or even murder.
Unfortunately, legislators in Denver have put their political agenda ahead of the practical and pressing needs of their constituents. Through SENATE BILL 3, a majority of firearms that are sold in our state will be banned, including America’s most sold rifle, which is also the most popular home defense firearm.
Further, this legislation will make it exponentially harder – and more dangerous – for someone to load and unload their firearm. This delay – and risk – reduces the likelihood of someone being able to effectively stop an intruder, a rapist, or a madman looking to inflict harm on others. This legislation is simply an affront to commonsense. It disenfranchises women and minorities. SENATE BILL 3 will proliferate violence and hardship in our beloved state.
We know that criminals, by definition, commit crimes, yet SENATE BILL 3 once again targets law-abiding citizens in Colorado. To keep us safe, the Governor and legislature should enforce the laws already on the books. We must eradicate the presence of gangs and cartels before the entire state is overrun. Disarming the vulnerable simply highlights how out of touch these politicians truly are. Coloradoans of all types and stripes simply deserve better.
I recently testified in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee in opposition of SENATE BILL 3. While moved by the stories of tragedy and loss from others in the room, no one could articulate how the proposed legislation would actually make us safe. They just repeated platitudes and bumper sticker slogans that simply ring hollow considering the crime wave we have witnessed in our state.
As the State Director for Women for Gun Rights, we push for education and training, instead of legislation and regulation. We know that at the end of the day, you are your own first responder and need to have access to firearms to act quickly and possibly save a life (maybe your own). Banning firearms used for self-defense is a recipe for disaster and simply empowers law-breaking criminals to act with impunity, knowing that future victims are likely unarmed and vulnerable.
Let’s do the right thing, Colorado, and stop SENATE BILL 3 dead in its tracks. This is about our safety and our state’s future.